Marketing

Yet after four successful seasons, Annabelle has learned that while our store-front may be shut down in October, the business of running a seasonal store is never in off-season. As store owner of Annabelle, I’ve learned three important lessons for managing a successful seasonal business.

A brand story is a universal marketing tool and it’s available to all of us. Instead of a ‘bigger and better’ marketing campaign, building a brand story focuses on connection and trust. A powerful story triggers an action in the customer. First connection, then trust, followed by an investment, resulting in a loyal community.

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, you will need to dedicate some time to getting published. And I’m not just talking about submitting real weddings. While those help build your visibility, you will also want to work with the media to get quoted, provide your expertise and build your reputation.

Now that you have attended this month’s TuesdaysTogether and learned the power of public relations, you’re likely brainstorming on ways to gain both bridal attention and media exposure. If the submission process is new to you, perhaps as a photographer or you’re a wedding planner or another creative who will be assisting in the submission process, these tips are for you! To get your shoots and weddings picked up, you will need to be diligent, patient and grateful!

We all want the opportunity to share our stories – and as creatives, we have great stories to share! Maybe you’re opening a new company that fills a need in your city, maybe you’re launching a new product, or maybe you’re creating a campaign that will impact others beyond your brand. You know there is something special there, but you don’t know how to tell it to the masses.

“Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts,” Anne Lamont declares in Bird by Bird. When composing your website copy feels more akin to hacking away at keys than blissful copywriting, that sure is a helpful line to remember. That, and the real secret to better website copy. The secret? Storytelling matters.

You know that you should be getting your work published...but do you know why? As an entrepreneur, your day is filled with things you *should* be doing. So why should getting published move high up on your to-do list?

Bridal shows are usually pretty large! Which means you probably aren't the only photographer, videographer, planner or vendor of your kind there. Try and find ways to be unique and stand out in the minds of brides who are seeing multiple of the same types of vendors throughout a small period of time.

The experience starts from the minute a client hears your name. Chances are they will go to your website, maybe click to your blog, or scroll your Instagram account. What are they seeing? What are they feeling? Are they engaged? Excited? Connected? While each of entity may feel totally separate for your business, they all play together to start giving your clients a feel of what they can expect from you should they hire you!